Credit must be given where credit is due, and we applaud Alderman Cliff Kirchner and the Russellville City Council for taking serious steps to explore whether city-contracted residential trash pickup is a viable option.

We also appreciate the council's acknowledgement that this is a process that must be done with public knowledge and input. There are plans to schedule a public meeting where local trash haulers and citizens can express their opinions on the subject, and we encourage everyone to exercise their right be involved with their city government and attend the meeting. Good government requires transparency and citizen participation; in this instance, the council is fulfilling its end of the bargain, so it is necessary we as citizens do our part as well.

When we first reported on the issue Feb. 19, we asked readers to respond with their opinion. We received about 26 responses, with 15 respondents for city-run trash collection and seven against. The rest of the responses did not express a clear opinion for or against. In the responses for both sides, there were several reoccurring themes.

Those for city-run trash collection cited a need for curbside recycling and yard waste pickup and expressed frustration over air pollution caused by burning leaves. Several respondents also complained about current piecemeal garbage pickup that translates into garbage trucks rumbling down residential streets every day.

Those against were concerned about the potential loss of jobs and their right to choose. Others expressed frustration that the current system isn't broke, so why fix it?

As for ourselves, we are for city-managed trash collection for the following reasons:

n Price. The information we've received so far indicates there will be a price reduction if the city contracts with a trash hauler. We've also received complaints from citizens who've discovered they are being charged much more for trash service than their relatives down the street by the same waste company. A negotiated contract will ensure fair and consistent pricing for all citizens.

n Accountability. If a trash hauler is not responsive to its customers or provides poor customer service, a resident currently has little recourse. If a waste company must answer to the city and possibly lose a lucrative contract for the next year, then there is leverage to encourage good service.

n Quality of life. We participated in Public Lands Day last year and saw first-hand what happens when people choose not to contract with a trash hauler. Their garbage ends up in our city parks and along roadways, creating piles of disgusting, insect-infested refuse that both spoils Russellville's natural beauty and creates a health hazard. Giving all citizens access to residential trash pickup will hopefully decrease both dumping and trash burning.

n Curbside recycling and yard waste pickup. There is a demonstrated need for both services, and it seems unlikely we will have access to either unless the city contracts for it.